Some producers and networks will do anything to attract viewers. Anything.
And “anything” would certainly be the category for this news story which says so much about how notoriety in 21st Century America can earn you bucks, or at least fame: Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich may be appearing — with a judge’s (iffy) approval — to be on a new NBC reality show titled ““I’m a celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” If the judge agrees that having the convicted Governor dumped in a Costa Rican jungle isn’t really a flight risk, it’s a go. The Christian Science Monitor:
The impeached ex-governor appeared in a Chicago courthouse today and pleaded not guilty to 16 charges of criminal corruption including racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud.
During the proceedings, he asked if he could travel if his bond was increased. CBS2 in Chicago is reporting that the possibility of appearing on the reality show is why he asked the question.
Too far fetched? NBC released a statement confirming their interest in Blago.
Too madcap to be (pardon the expression) “reality?” Not really: the U.S of A’s impeached Governor with the most stunning hair has reportedly asked his lawyer to seriously seek court permission. The Monitor again:
It gets better. WGN reports that figure skater Nancy Kerrigan could be one of his opponents.
Wow.
Here’s CBS’s report on this latest manifestation of how “the get” (getting someone who will draw ratings) can trump taste, the importance of picking role models for young people, and the importance of adults in decision making choices that show kids and young people that there are consequences (this one: Impeached imshmeeched..He’s famous and this will get us big ratings!!!)
Here’s CBS’s report:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
FOOTNOTE: In the
If a producer or network wants to give Blago a show, why not put him on an existing one or rework an old one? Here are a few titles that might fit:
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire….Lost….Law and Order….Looney Tunes….Arrested Development…Any Day Now…The Price Is Right…The Twilight Zone…The Court…Crime and Punishment…CSI Chicago (a new version is in order)…Deadwood…Desperate Governors…Different (Grease-the-Palm) Strokes…Who Do You Trust…Entourage…Jackass…Family Matters..Flipping Out…Hair Trauma…Help Me Help You…It Takes A Thief…Krazy Kat…Law and Order: Criminal Intent…My Own Worst Enemy…One Step Beyond…So Weird…Surviving Disaster..Survivor…Tales of the Darkside…The Wire…..
Joe Gandelman is a former fulltime journalist who freelanced in India, Spain, Bangladesh and Cypress writing for publications such as the Christian Science Monitor and Newsweek. He also did radio reports from Madrid for NPR’s All Things Considered. He has worked on two U.S. newspapers and quit the news biz in 1990 to go into entertainment. He also has written for The Week and several online publications, did a column for Cagle Cartoons Syndicate and has appeared on CNN.